High Court Principal Judge Eric Ogolla has transferred 13 judges in the latest changes affecting several divisions in the Judiciary.
Among those who were transferred on Tuesday, August 8, include High Court Judge David Majanja who is the presiding judge in the petitions challenging the Finance Act, 2023.
Justice Majanja has been moved from the Commercial and Tax Division to the Civil Division which is responsible for hearing and determining civil cases, including contract disputes and tort claims.
"The Judicial Service Commission is mandated to promote and facilitate the independence and accountability of the Judiciary and the efficient, effective and transparent administration of justice under Article 172 of the Constitution," the statement read in part.
In his new role, Majanja will also hear and determine cases on property disputes, family law matters, employment law matters and constitutional law matters of civil nature.
The other judges who were transferred include Lady Justice Hedwig Ong'udi who was transferred from the Constitutional & Human Rights Division to the Nakuru High Court.
Lady Justice Mugure Thande who was serving at the Constitutional and Human Rights Division has been moved to the Malindi High Court. Justice Hillary Chemitei has been moved from the Nakuru High Court to the Family Division.
High Court Principal Judge Ogolla also moved Lady Justice Maureen Odero from the Family Court to the Nyeri High Court.
At the same time, Justice Chacha Mwita who was previously serving at the Commercial and Tax Division has been moved to the Constitutional and Human Rights Division.
Ogolla also transferred Lady Justice Teresa Odera (Kisii High Court) and Justice Peter Mulwa (Commercial and Tax Division) at Milimani in Nairobi.
Others who were moved to new workstations include Lady Justice Florence Muchemi (Thika High Court), Lady Justice Diana Rachel Kavedza (Kibra and Kahawa Law Courts), and Lady Justice Patricia Gichohi (Nakuru High Court).
Meanwhile, the Judicial Service Commission has appointed sixty Resident Magistrates in line with Magistrates' Courts Act Section 3 (1).
"Their jurisdiction has since been enhanced to hear employment and labour relations matters as well as environment and land cases. The number of Small Claims Courts also continues to increase across the country.
"Considering these developments and buttressed by the attrition of Judicial Officers in the intervening period, JSC approved 10 extra appointments. The Commission finalised the process of evaluating interviewed candidates on 4th August 2023," the statement read in part.
The newly appointed Resident Magistrates include Ngetich Fransisca Chepkoech, Muchiri Wanjiru Linda, Ayieta Joy Atieno, Mkala Jacob Punga, Mokaya Edith Bonareri, Nambisia Tracey Kasandi Obiero Casmir Augustus, Chepchumba Carolyne Rono and Gachuki Nelson Njuguna.
Others include Ng'ang'a Nellieanne Wambui, Omurwa Arnold Nyandusi, Jumar Beryl Achieng, Baraka Xavier Francis, Mokua Geoffrey Manyara, Kristine Gathoni Mugo and Ogange Antoinette Zowade.
